WND EXCLUSIVE

Q&A: Chuck Norris talks about 'Expendables 2'

By the way, he's not 72: 'I'm 39 years old with 33 years of experience'

WASHINGTON – “The Expendables 2” opens in theaters nationwide and some of the mega-action stars are talking up the movie. But arguably the biggest action icon internationally gave his first exclusive interview on the project to his favorite news source – the one that serves as the flagship for his weekly political column and his weekly health column. That would be Chuck Norris and WND. Several WND news editors did the grilling. The sequel stars Norris, Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, Bruce Willis, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Terry Crews, mixed martial arts fighter Randy Couture and “rookie” Liam Hemsworth. By the way, not to give anything away, but they do not all make it out of “Expendables 2” alive.

WND caught up with Norris just before he headed to Hollywood for the screening Wednesday night.

Question: We’ve heard that Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis might share some of your conservative views? Did you have a chance to talk politics at all with your co-stars? What are they thinking about the 2012 election?

Answer: We only had one thing on our minds and that was making “Expendables 2” the best it can be.

Q: Did you have fun making this movie with other top action stars?

A: It was great working with all the guys. I have known Arnold since the 1960s, Van Damme since the 70s and Willis and Sly since the 80s.

Q: Is this going to be a classic for the ages?

A: Anytime you get action legends together, it has to be a classic.

Q: Any funny stories you can relate about the making of the film?

A: Sly said to me, “These Chuck Norris Facts are everywhere, why don’t we put one in a scene?” My wife, Gena, said, “I have the perfect one for the scene.” It is really funny, but you’ll have to see the movie to find out…

Q: What was your reaction to seeing the final cut?

A: I haven’t seen it yet. But have heard great responses from the screenings.

Q: What’s the most redemptive message of the film?

A: Legendary heroes defeating the bad guys.

Q: You are 72. How can you possibly be doing action movies?

A: Because I’m 39 years old with 33 years of experience.

Q: Like you, some of your fellow cast-members, including Randy Couture and Jet Li, are real-life martial artists. Did you ever spar with any of them?

A: We were too busy working.

Q: What was your favorite scene in this film?

A: Too many to mention. It is an action-packed film (I love action) that will keep you riveted to your seat the whole time.

Q: Why did you turn down the offer to play a role in “Expendables 1”?

A: I wasn’t offered a role in “Expendables 1,” and I’m a guest star in “Expendables 2.”